Dogs vs. Cats (as Pets)

The decision on whether to get a dog or a cat (as opposed to both) is a highly personal undertaking and depends largely on the individual, but is it possible to objectively evaluate the pros and cons of each – absent of the prospective owner – to declare a better pet?
Clearly, there are dog lovers and cat lovers, and ne’er the two shall agree. But, could one group be wrong? It’s an epic battle of pet primacy and there can be only one winner. Well … maybe.
Let’s attempt an unbiased comparison of these animals’ finer qualities.
<strong>Trainability </strong>
Cat lovers are emphatic in their claims that, yes, cats can be trained – to do anything a dog can do! Add to that their (somewhat unsettling) ability to be trained to use the toilet and you’ve got a hands-down winner.
But, there’s a convincing argument that cats <em>choose</em> to obey, while dogs are literally bred to obey. Dogs can be trained to do a great many things cats simply can’t or won’t do: aid the disabled, find bombs, hunt and return prey, race, shake hands, guard things …
<em>Winner:</em> Dogs
<strong>Maintenance</strong>
This is an easy one that people in both factions usually agree upon: Dogs need plenty of attention and affection to stay healthy and happy. With cats, it depends. Some cats need a lot of cuddling, while others are loners.
Plus, dogs need to be walked. Rare is the dog that will do the two in a box, even if that’s what you want it to do. Cats, as previously mentioned, can easily upstage dogs in this area.
<em>Winner:</em> Cats
<strong>Companionship</strong>
This is a sticky issue and the area to cause most disagreements. Cat lovers profess being loved more by their felines than by any other creature, while dog lovers point out that a devoted canine will literally put itself in harm’s way to protect its master.
This one … this one is just too subjective to call. Sorry, folks.
<em>Winner:</em> Tie
And, that leaves <a title="ATG Stores Homepage" href="http://www.atgstores.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">ATGStores.com</a> with a tie overall! But, feel free to try and swing the vote below.
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